ed also at this time in Hedemark. When he heard that Thorer had been
killed, he made an attack upon the places where the king's goods and
men were; but, between whiles, he kept himself in the forest and other
secret places. When the king heard of this disturbance, he had inquiry
made about Grjotgard's haunts, and found out that he had taken up
night-quarters not far from where the king was. King Olaf set out in the
night-time, came there about day-dawn, and placed a circle of men round
the house in which Grjotgard was sleeping. Grjotgard and his men, roused
by the stir of people and clash of arms, ran to their weapons, and
Grjotgard himself sprang to the front room. He asked who commanded the
troop; and it was answered him, "King Olaf was come there." Grjotgard
asked if the king would hear his words. The king, who stood at the door,
said that Grjotgard might speak what he pleased, and he would hear his
words. Grjotgard said, "I do not beg for mercy;" and at the same moment
he rushed out, having his shield over his head, and his drawn sword in
his hand. It was not so much light that he could see clearly. He struck
his sword at the king; but Arnbjorn ran in, and the thrust pierced him
under his armour into his stomach, and Arnbjorn got his deathwound.
Grjotgard was killed immediately, and most of his people with him. After
this event the king turned back to the south to Viken.

177. KING OLAF SENDS FOR HIS SHIPS AND GOODS.

Now when the king came to Tunsberg he sent men out to all the districts,
and ordered the people out upon a levy. He had but a small provision
of shipping, and there were only bondes' vessels to be got. From the
districts in the near neighbourhood many people came to him, but few
from any distance; and it was soon found that the people had turned
away from the king. King Olaf sent people to Gautland for his ships,
and other goods and wares which had been left there in autumn; but the
progress of these men was very slow, for it was no better now than in
autumn to sail through the Sound, as King Canute had in spring fitted
out an army throughout the whole of the Danish dominions, and had no
fewer than 1200 vessels.

178. KING OLAF'S COUNSELS.

The news came to Norway that King Canute had assembled an immense
armament through all Denmark, with which he intended to conquer Norway.
When this became known the people were less willing to join King Olaf,
and he got but little aid from the bondes.